Keepers of the Wild General Fund

Keepers of the Wild: Protecting, Preserving, and Inspiring Since 1995

Nestled along Historic Route 66 in Valentine, Arizona, Keepers of the Wild is a nationally recognized, nonprofit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of neglected, abused, and abandoned captive wildlife.

Founded in 1995 by Jonathan Kraft, a former Las Vegas entertainer who witnessed firsthand the suffering of big cats used in the entertainment industry, the sanctuary began as one man’s promise to give exploited animals a second chance at life — a promise that has since blossomed into a 175-acre haven of hope.

Over the past three decades, Keepers of the Wild has rescued and provided refuge for more than 1,000 animals — from lions, tigers, and bears to wolves, foxes, monkeys, and native Arizona wildlife. Each resident’s story is unique, but they all share one common thread: a journey from hardship to healing.

Today, the sanctuary is home to over 150 animals representing 49 different species, cared for daily by a passionate team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Every habitat, diet, and enrichment activity is designed to promote natural behaviors and dignity, ensuring that each animal can live out their days in peace and safety.

But Keepers of the Wild isn’t just a sanctuary — it’s a mission-driven force for education and conservation. Through guided safari tours, outreach programs, and school partnerships, we connect thousands of visitors each year with the importance of wildlife protection and the ethical treatment of all living beings.

As a USDA-licensed and accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Keepers of the Wild operates entirely through donations, sponsorships, and the compassion of supporters like you. Every contribution directly funds food, veterinary care, habitat maintenance, and enrichment for our animal residents — helping us continue a legacy of compassion that began 30 years ago.

When you give to Keepers of the Wild, you’re not just donating — you’re joining a movement. A movement that believes in second chances, that honors the wild spirit in every living creature, and that keeps hope alive for generations to come.

Together, we can keep the wild alive — one rescue, one life, one heartbeat at a time.

We love. We Care. We Protect. We are Keepers of the Wild.